Surgical instrument comprising sealable interface

Abstract

A surgical instrument comprising a sealed shaft interface is disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first jaw comprising a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first arcuate outer surface;   a second jaw comprising a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second arcuate outer surface, wherein said second proximal end is rotatably connected to said first proximal end such that said second jaw is rotatable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a fully-clamped position; and   a closure tube comprising a distal end configured to slide relative to said first jaw and contact said second jaw when said closure tube is moved distally through a closure stroke to move said second jaw from said open position to said fully-clamped position, wherein said first jaw further comprises an annular ridge extending from said first arcuate outer surface which is contacted by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a sealed interface between said closure tube and said first jaw.   
     
     
         2 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , further comprising a replaceable staple cartridge. 
     
     
         3 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said second jaw comprises a second annular ridge extending from said second arcuate outer surface which is contacted by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a second sealed interface between said closure tube and said second jaw. 
     
     
         4 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said annular ridge is comprised of a plastic material which is resiliently deflected by said closure tube when said closure tube engages said annular ridge. 
     
     
         5 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said annular ridge is comprised of an elastomeric material which is resiliently deflected by said closure tube when said closure tube engages said annular ridge. 
     
     
         6 . The surgical instrument of  claim 1 , wherein said first jaw comprises a second annular ridge extending from said first arcuate outer surface which is engaged by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a second sealed interface between said closure tube and said first jaw. 
     
     
         7 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first jaw comprising a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first outer surface;   a second jaw comprising a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second outer surface, wherein said second proximal end is rotatably connected to said first proximal end such that said second jaw is rotatable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a clamped position; and   a closure tube comprising a distal end configured to slide relative to said first jaw and contact said second jaw when said closure tube is moved distally through a closure stroke to move said second jaw from said open position to said clamped position, wherein said first jaw further comprises a ridge which is contacted by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a sealed interface between said closure tube and said first jaw.   
     
     
         8 . The surgical instrument of  claim 7 , further comprising a replaceable staple cartridge. 
     
     
         9 . The surgical instrument of  claim 7 , wherein said second jaw comprises a second ridge which is contacted by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a second sealed interface between said closure tube and said second jaw. 
     
     
         10 . The surgical instrument of  claim 7 , wherein said ridge is comprised of a plastic material which is resiliently deflected by said closure tube when said closure tube engages said ridge. 
     
     
         11 . The surgical instrument of  claim 7 , wherein said ridge is comprised of an elastomeric material which is resiliently deflected by said closure tube when said closure tube engages said ridge. 
     
     
         12 . The surgical instrument of  claim 7 , wherein said first jaw comprises a second ridge which is engaged by said closure tube during said closure stroke to create a second sealed interface between said closure tube and said first jaw. 
     
     
         13 . A surgical instrument, comprising:
 a first jaw comprising a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first outer surface;   a second jaw comprising a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second outer surface, wherein said second proximal end is rotatably connected to said first proximal end such that said second jaw is rotatable relative to said first jaw between an open position and a clamped position; and   a closure sleeve comprising a distal end configured to slide relative to said first jaw and contact said second jaw when said closure sleeve is moved through a closure stroke to move said second jaw from said open position to said clamped position, wherein said first jaw further comprises a protrusion which is contacted by said closure sleeve during said closure stroke to create a sealed interface intermediate said closure sleeve and said first jaw.